serious dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious dispute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a dispute between two or more parties which has become intense or is considered important. For example: "The ongoing trade war between the two countries is a serious dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is no serious dispute about that in his party.

The New York Times

Tibet may again become the locus of a serious dispute between China and America.

The Economist

For starters, there is a serious dispute among scholars over the very definition of poverty.

The New York Times

Within months there was an even more serious dispute with Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There is a serious dispute in the Conservative Party," he continued.

The Guardian

But the issue of the foreign Taliban troops remained in serious dispute within the alliance today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That was a sly reference to serious disputes between the two organizations that ended only recently.

The New York Times

Newspapers will be able to resolve more serious disputes through a low-cost arbitration service.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serious disputes over price are not that unusual in the grocery sector.

The Guardian - Business

Serious disputes are pending between one or the other side, and one great power of Europe is threatening world peace.

The New York Times

Trasformismo ("transformism") became the normal way of conducting parliamentary business, for there were few serious disputes among the leading politicians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious dispute" when you want to emphasize the weighty nature of a disagreement, its potential consequences, or the high stakes involved.

Common error

Avoid using "serious dispute" for minor disagreements or trivial matters; reserve it for situations where the disagreement has significant implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious dispute" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "dispute". It identifies a specific type of disagreement, emphasizing its importance and potential consequences. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used in a variety of contexts to describe disagreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious dispute" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a disagreement of significant consequence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in various sources, particularly news and media. It serves to emphasize the gravity and potential impact of a conflict. When using this phrase, it is important to reserve it for disagreements that are truly serious and not to overstate the intensity of trivial matters. Alternatives such as "major disagreement" or "grave conflict" may be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disagreement

Highlights that the disagreement is important and consequential.

substantial disagreement

Indicates a notable and considerable level of disagreement.

major disagreement

Emphasizes the disagreement aspect more than the intensity or consequences.

difficult disagreement

Highlights the challenges and complexities associated with the disagreement.

grave conflict

Highlights the severity and potential impact of the dispute.

intense controversy

Focuses on the public and often prolonged nature of the disagreement.

heated debate

Suggests a more active and vocal disagreement, often in a public forum.

bitter quarrel

Implies a more personal and emotionally charged dispute.

profound difference of opinion

Focuses on the depth and fundamental nature of the disagreement.

fierce contention

Stresses the competitive and forceful nature of the disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "serious dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "serious dispute" to describe a disagreement with significant consequences. For example: "The border conflict represents a "serious dispute" between the two nations".

What are some alternatives to "serious dispute"?

Alternatives include "major disagreement", "grave conflict", or "intense controversy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "serious dispute" versus "minor disagreement"?

"Serious dispute" is suitable when the disagreement has substantial implications or consequences, while "minor disagreement" is better for trivial matters.

Is "serious dispute" formal or informal language?

"Serious dispute" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news and professional settings.